The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has officially released the recruitment notification for the post of Assistant Coaches on a regular basis for the year 2026. SAI has announced a total of 323 vacancies across 26 different sports disciplines. Interested and eligible candidates can apply online from 1st February 2026 to 15th February 2026, exclusively through the official SAI website. Applicants must ensure they meet the prescribed eligibility criteria related to age, educational qualifications, and professional experience before applying.
The selection process will consist of a Computer Based Test (CBT) followed by a Coaching Ability Test (CAT). All updates, corrigenda, and the final merit list will be published only on the SAI website. No offline applications will be entertained.
SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 Notification
The SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 Notification PDF is the primary document for all candidates. It contains exhaustive details regarding sport-wise vacancies, eligibility criteria (age, essential qualification), application process, exam pattern, syllabus, and selection procedure. Aspirants are strongly advised to download and study the notification thoroughly to ensure compliance with all requirements before applying online.
Download SAI Assistant Coach 2026 Notification PDF
SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026: Overview
The SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 is a significant opportunity for qualified coaches to join India’s premier sports organization on a regular basis. Below is a summary table with all key details.
| Organization | Sports Authority of India (SAI) |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Assistant Coach (Group ‘B’) |
| Total Vacancies | 323 |
| Advertisement Date | 15th January 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 1st February 2026 |
| Application End Date | 15th February 2026 |
| Selection Process | Computer Based Test (CBT) & Coaching Ability Test (CAT) |
| Pay Level & Scale | Level 6, Pay Matrix: ₹ 35,400 – 1,12,400 |
| Job Location | Various SAI Centers across India |
| Official Website | sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in |
SAI Assistant Coach Vacancy 2026 (Sport-Wise)
SAI has released 323 vacancies for the post of Assistant Coach distributed across 26 sports disciplines. The category-wise distribution for major sports is as follows:
| Sports Discipline | Total Vacancies |
| Swimming | 26 |
| Athletics | 28 |
| Cycling | 12 |
| Gymnastics | 12 |
| Wrestling | 22 |
| Canoeing | 7 |
| Judo | 6 |
| Rowing | 11 |
| Shooting | 28 |
| Boxing | 19 |
| Fencing | 11 |
| Weightlifting | 10 |
| Taekwondo | 11 |
| Archery | 12 |
| Table Tennis | 14 |
| Badminton | 16 |
| Tennis | 8 |
| Basketball | 12 |
| Volleyball | 10 |
| Field Hockey | 13 |
| Football | 12 |
| Handball | 6 |
| Kabaddi | 6 |
| Kho-Kho | 2 |
| Sepak Takraw | 3 |
| Wushu | 6 |
| GRAND TOTAL | 323 |
SAI Assistant Coach Apply Online 2026
The online application portal for SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 will be activated on the official website from 1st February 2026. Candidates must register, fill the form carefully, upload scanned documents, and pay the application fee. A printout of the final submitted form with the unique registration number should be retained.
Direct Link to Apply Online (Active from 01.02.2026)
How to Apply for SAI Assistant Coach 2026?
Candidates can follow these steps to apply online:
- Visit the official SAI website: sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in
- Navigate to the “Recruitment/Careers” section.
- Click on the advertisement link “Recruitment for the post of Assistant Coaches – 2026”.
- Read the complete notification and instructions.
- Click on “Apply Online” or “Online Application Form”.
- Register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Log in with the provided credentials.
- Fill in all details in the application form (personal, educational, sports discipline preference, etc.).
- Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, age proof, educational certificates, caste certificate (if applicable), and SAI contractual service proof (if applicable).
- Pay the prescribed application fee online.
- Review all details carefully before final submission.
- Submit the form and download/print the application slip for future reference.
Application Fee
A non-refundable application fee is applicable as per the candidate’s category.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| Unreserved / OBC / EWS | ₹ 2500/- |
| SC / ST / Ex-Servicemen | ₹ 2000/- |
| Mode of Payment | Online via Net Banking/Credit Card/Debit Card/UPI |
SAI Assistant Coach Eligibility Criteria 2026
A. Age Limit (as on the application start date)
- Upper Age Limit: 30 Years
Age Relaxation is applicable as per Government of India and SAI norms:
- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years
- Ex-Servicemen & Departmental Candidates: As per Govt. norms.
- SAI Contractual Employees: Age relaxation equivalent to the duration of continuous service in SAI (min. 1 year).
- Cumulative Relaxation: Candidates eligible under multiple categories (e.g., SC + SAI Contractual) can avail of cumulative relaxation.
B. Essential Educational/Professional Qualification
Candidates must possess any one of the following:
- Diploma or equivalent in coaching from SAI NS-NIS, Patiala, or any other recognized Indian/Foreign University.
- Participation in Olympics/Paralympics/Asian Games/World Championship with a Certificate Course in Coaching.
- Dronacharya Awardee.
(Refer to the official notification’s Annexure for the list of equivalent qualifications from institutes like LNIPE, NSU, SGSU, etc.)
Selection Process
The selection will be a two-stage process with the following weightage:
Computer Based Test (CBT) – 40% Weightage:
- Mode: Online
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Type: 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Syllabus: Sports-specific knowledge, Sports Sciences, General Awareness, Reasoning & Aptitude.
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer.
Coaching Ability Test (CAT) – 60% Weightage:
- Candidates shortlisted in a 1:3 ratio (3 times the vacancies per sport/category) from the CBT will appear for the CAT.
- It is a practical test designed to assess foundational coaching knowledge, application, and relationship-building skills.
- It comprises 40 assessment parameters (Detailed in Annexure).
- Final Merit: A combined merit list will be prepared based on CBT (40%) and CAT (60%) scores.
SAI Assistant Coach Salary & Benefits 2026
Selected candidates will be appointed as Assistant Coach in Level-6 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix (₹ 35,400 – 1,12,400). In addition to the basic pay, they will be entitled to allowances as per Central Government rules, including:
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Transport Allowance
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC)
- Medical Benefits
- Contributory Pension Scheme (NPS) / other retirement benefits as applicable.
- Sports Kit allowance as per rules.
FAQs
Q1. What is the last date to apply for SAI Assistant Coach 2026?
Ans. The last date to submit the online application is 15th February 2026.
Q2. How many vacancies are available?
Ans. There are a total of 323 vacancies across 26 different sports.
Q3. What is the selection process?
Ans. The selection involves a Computer Based Test (CBT) carrying 40% weightage, followed by a Coaching Ability Test (CAT) carrying 60% weightage.
Q4. What is the age limit and relaxation?
Ans. The upper age limit is 30 years. Relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC, and additional relaxation for SAI contractual employees and ex-servicemen as per rules.
Q5. What is the application fee?
Ans. The fee is ₹ 2500 for UR/OBC/EWS and ₹ 2000 for SC/ST/Ex-Servicemen candidates.
